Post-concussion syndrome responds to intravenous magnesium
A new report presented at the last annual scientific meeting of the American Headache Society in San Diego showed that post-concussion symptoms can be helped by an intravenous infusion of magnesium.
Doctors at the department of neurology at UCLA described six patients with a post-concussion syndrome, who were given an infusion of 2 grams of magnesium sulfate. Three out of six had a significant improvement of their headaches and all had improvement in at least one of the following symptoms: concentration, mood, insomnia, memory, and dizziness.
This was a small study, but it is consistent with other studies that show a drop in the magnesium level following a concussion and also studies in animals that show beneficial effects of magnesium following a head trauma.
Our studies have shown that intravenous magnesium can relieve migraine and cluster headaches in a significant proportion of patients.
Considering how safe intravenous magnesium is and how devastating the effect of a concussion can be, it makes sense to give all patients with a post-concussion syndrome if not an intravenous infusion, at least an oral supplement. I usually recommend 400 mg of magnesium glycinate, which should be taken with food. For faster and more reliable effect, we routinely give patients with migraines, cluster, and post-concussion headaches an infusion of magnesium. Patients who do not absorb or do not tolerate (it can cause diarrhea) oral magnesium, come in to for monthly infusions.
Hello! Wanted to share that I started getting magnesium infusions (1gram per treatment) this past December after a significant flare-up of my PCS symptoms and this has helped me tremendously!!! I feel more myself and working and socializing a little bit more. I see so much promise with this (in addition to all the holistic therapies & meds I’m doing) and so happy this is an option. It’s really taken things to the next level in my healing.
400 mg is the daily recommended allowance, which is recommended for everyone. Some migraine sufferers need higher doses because of poor absorption. Magnesium citrate or oxide can be effective, but for some, magnesium glycinate is better. If possible, a blood test for RBC magnesium level can be useful in deciding how much magnesium to take and in which form. About 10% of people do not absorb magnesium and we give them monthly intravenous infusions.
How much of magnesium citrate do I need to take daily for Migraine prevention? I take 400 mg of magnesium from magnesium citrate. Is it enough?. Thank u.
Yes, many insurers reimburse for IV magnesium infusions, although some pay as little as $50. However, the procedure takes only 10 minutes and for many patients makes a dramatic difference in the quality of their life. We give one and occasionally two grams of magnesium sulfate in 10 cc’s of normal saline by slow 5-minute push using a 10 cc syringe and a 25-gauge butterfly needle. Have the patient remain reclining during the infusion and until the sensation of warmth goes away. The side effects may include lightheadedness (and that is why they should be lying down) and rarely nausea, which tends to occur if the infusion is given to fast and the patient is feeling very hot. If the infusion is given during a migraine attack, the headache often goes away within minutes or even before the infusion is completed.
Thanks for sharing this. I love your blog. I will at least adopt the oral mag glycine for my post-concussion syndrome patients. Can I do mag sulfate infusions in office and get reimbursed?